We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. Nietzsche

Morning y'all,It's another gorgeous morning on the mountain. The high yesterday reached 33 degrees. The low dropped down to 8 degrees. It was 27 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received a trace of snow yesterday morning and there is still some patchy snow left up top. I've heard that Alum is pretty slick, so please be sure to pack traction devices. Allow yourself plenty of time to hike down, as Yogi Berra said, it is that time of year where it gets late early. It looks like we're in for some clear weather, so the views should be pretty great. Enjoy!

Top photo & above: Sunset yesterday evening.

I went out hunting for sunrise this morning. It's been a little while, as I've conceded the duskydawn hours to the native animals and have been respecting their space. However, the temptation of finding a big sunrise over my beloved Smokies with some inversion caps still hanging around was enough to violate my treaty. I left at seven with a Thermos of coffee. I forgot how short the days where, as I got to Apollo Overlook and had a twenty minute skyshow before the sun crested those distant North Carolina mountains. The majority of the valley clouds must have passed out overnight with our rising temperatures, but it was still a fantastic show. There were some distant clouds pinking up on the horizon and the sky grew ever more impressive shades of orange, yellow and purple. It's always the predawn show that is most impressive, the crescendo to sunrise. For some reason, the colours are richer before the sun hits the clouds. As I tramped back, the trail was lit with the slanty golden red of new day sun mingled with treeshadows. Sometimes it's all too much.

Just wanted to add a thought that I just posted on my own website (still "in the works stages"): What a pleasure it wouldl be right now to up on the mountain with some of the people who psot here, "Friends of Leconte", so to speak ! A little eggnog, spiked if you prefer, or hot cocoa, brandy, just whatever pleases one's palate. I can just imagine sitting up at Cliff Tops, for example, around my little white gas stove with a pot of hot water ready for whatever you want to make with it ! Sounds enjoyable to me ! G'day

timothy even?

12/25/2013 01:30:13 am

But timorhy sounds Swahili-ish? :-)

Mar F

12/25/2013 01:34:43 am

Merry Christmas JP, and to all the Friends of LeConte! Happy Trails!

Mamaw B

12/25/2013 01:36:59 am

A very Merry Christmas, JP and all who read these posts. Have a tremendous holiday season.

Gulf Coast Doug

12/25/2013 01:40:14 am

Merry Christmas to the entire LeConte loving family of bloggers out there. A day to warm the hearth with a big oak log. I'll take some Irish Cream Doug Y.

Merry, Merry Christmas to you! Wonderful pictures, as usual. Is/that last shot of the sun shining through? It looks like a lantern sitting in the trees.

Terry

12/25/2013 02:12:29 am

Merry Christmas, JP. And peace on Earth (as if anything else were possible up there)!

John

12/25/2013 02:13:05 am

Thank you for sharing your stellar morning with us. I'm sure pictures do not begin to reveal the splendor of the sunrise, but they do give us a glimpse of its glory. I hope the rest of your day is filled with pure joy and satisfaction, as you marvel at the beauty around you. It is an honor to share vicariously in this experience with you.

Glenn Oh

12/25/2013 02:18:54 am

Merry Christmas JP and everyone who visits this site every day like myself, WOW what a sunset picture, hope to get up soon !!!

Connie

12/25/2013 02:29:22 am

Merry Christmas! Stay warm.

jean d

12/25/2013 03:22:35 am

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all the High on LeConte friends! Hope each and everyone of you has a wonderful day. It is bright and sunny down here in the valley and 35 deg at 11:15. Fire in the fireplace, just finished champagne brunch and preparing to roast the turkey for Christmas meal with .family. Happy to read all the greetings from the blog regulars. Best wishes to all of you!

Michigan Bob

12/25/2013 03:33:43 am

JP, thank you so much for your wonderful photos & your daily observations. Merry Christmas to you and to all who visit here.

Mary, Ohio

12/25/2013 03:42:32 am

Merry Christmas JP! I so enjoy your thoughts, and pictures. I look forward to your posts evertday. Wishing all who frequent this site a very Merry Christmas spent with those you hold closest to your hearts! Blessings to all!

Merry Christmas, J.P. First time I've ever commented, but I do enjoy reading your posts everyday. I intend to hike Alum Cave on Jan. 2. Never done that before either. Would love to meet you & maybe bring you something you need or want. Look for me next week & wish me luck.